The Chester County Library has been chosen as one of five libraries in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region to participate in this program sponsored by Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) at the Institute on Disabilities and provided through the generosity of the Albert B. Millett Memorial Fund, a BNY Mellon Mid-Atlantic Charitable Trust.

In the digital age, libraries continue to be a resource for information, entertainment and community sharing. Unfortunately, many older adults, and others with vision loss, find it difficult to read standard print, locate material in a library, and master the use of mobile technology such as tablets.

Access Beyond the Stacks has provided participating libraries with equipment to encourage and assist individuals with vision impairment to return to their local libraries and more effectively use and enjoy this community resource. Several devices have been selected and provided to the participating libraries. Library patrons may use these devices in the Library and can request them at the Chester County Library Reference Desk. Staff members have received training on the devices and will be able to offer instruction.

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The available devices are:

Ruby Hand Held Electronic Magnifier - This light-weight, powerful magnifier can increase text and images up to 12 times its original size. It can change the appearance from full color to high contrast settings such as bright white with black text or black with white text, as well as other display options. A handy feature is the folding handle where a user can hold the electronic magnifier above objects and text and it will automatically adjust size depending upon distance from the object. The freeze image feature will temporarily hold the image so the user can bring the device closer for a better view, helpful when trying to read the spine of a book on a shelf or a CD label.

The iPad Air will serve persons with vision loss in many ways: books downloaded in electronic format can be viewed using the built in magnification features of the device; apps are available that can take a photo of printed text, available that can take a photo of printed text, convert it into an alternative display and then read content aloud back to you; the standard magnifier apps can act as another electronic magnifier where text or objects can be viewed using the camera of the iPad.

The noise-canceling headphones will allow the user to listen to scanned texts or access already scanned books and magazines or read downloaded audio books in the library collection, without interruption from outside sound or without disturbing other patrons.

iPad stands are available and are specially designed for the iPad. These stands will provide the user with optimum positioning for scanning and viewing.

Access Beyond the Stacks, a program of Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, made its way to the Chester County Library in Exton on May 8. The program, administered by Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology, helps libraries become more accessible to people with visual impairment.

Jule Ann Lieberman, the project coordinator, met with and trained several staff members. “Everyone was enthusiastic and anxious to learn the new devices,” she said. “Library staff know how valuable libraries are to all residents, but especially to those who may not have the same kind of access to information as others. It is imperative that everyone is welcome to the local library to make use of this valuable resource.”

The equipment is available to anyone who needs it — any staff member will help with set up and training. For more information about the Chester County Library: www.chescolibraries.org, 610-280-2600; for more information about the Access Beyond the Stacks program: disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/accessLib/; 215-204-1356 voice, 215-204-1805 TTY; iod@temple.edu.